Work

Age-related features of mucosal and systemic immunity in smokers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aim. To evaluate the features of local and systemic immunity in smokers of different age groups. Materials and Methods. Here we collected venous blood and oropharyngeal swabs from conditionally healthy men. A total of 59 participants were included: 20 individuals aged 18-25 years and 39 individuals aged 45-60 years. Each age group was subdivided into smokers and non-smokers. The average smoking history was 5 years in the younger group and 28 years in the older group. Total leukocyte count and the proportions of different cell types in blood and oropharyngeal secretions were assessed using light microscopy. Neutrophil cytotoxic activity was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium test. Concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-18, IgA, and IgE were determined in blood plasma and supernatant from oropharyngeal swabs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Age-related changes affected both local and systemic immunity. A reduction in macrophage numbers as well as IL-18 and IgA levels in oropharyngeal washes were accompanied by an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-18 and a rise in circulating neutrophils. In individuals aged 18-25 years (with an average smoking history 5 years), an increase in blood monocytes and a sharp decrease in IL-8 level were observed, along with a twofold reduction in leukocytes in oropharyngeal washes. In smokers aged 45-60 years, there was a trend toward increased IgA and IgE plasma levels, alongside a significant decrease in IgA and IL-18 in the oral mucosa. Conclusion. The impact of smoking and the duration of exposure to tobacco smoke on the local and systemic immunity of smokers from different age groups is primarily reflected at the local level. Smoking exacerbates age-related weakening of the oral mucosal barrier properties and induces systemic immune shifts, even with a short smoking history.

Source: Fundamental and Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.23946/2500-0764-2025-10-1-64-74

Authors: R. I. Pleshko, E. N. Kologrivova, Yu. A. Ivanko, E. E. Simonova

Institution: Siberian State Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408909297